The Branch School
Location
Houston, Texas
Size29,000 sf
Project Features- Maker Spaces
- Studios
- Classrooms
- Outdoor Learning
- Site Developments
- Net-zero building design
The Branch School is an independent private school in west Houston for preschool, elementary, and middle school students. Their 21-st century learning approach and curriculum focuses on developing skills that “enable future leaders to communicate effectively, listen to other points of view, collaborate, and empathetically respect the dignity of all.” Kirksey and The Branch School worked together to create a new master plan and middle school building that accommodates the school’s growth and approach to project-based learning.
The new two-story, 29,000-sf net-zero building is designed to meet LEED Silver certifications. Sustainability is a driving concept in the school design that helps it respond to climates and allows the building to be used as a teaching tool. Classrooms, studios, and maker spaces give students various areas to experience project-based learning and collaboration opportunities. The project site is developed to facilitate learning both inside and outside and includes outdoor learning spaces, a walking trail, a garden, a weather station pavilion, and a teaching courtyard.
Hear from some of the remarkable students themselves and see more of The Branch School:
The new two-story, 29,000-sf net-zero building is designed to meet LEED Silver certifications. Sustainability is a driving concept in the school design that helps it respond to climates and allows the building to be used as a teaching tool. Classrooms, studios, and maker spaces give students various areas to experience project-based learning and collaboration opportunities. The project site is developed to facilitate learning both inside and outside and includes outdoor learning spaces, a walking trail, a garden, a weather station pavilion, and a teaching courtyard.
Hear from some of the remarkable students themselves and see more of The Branch School:
The Branch School Master Plan from Kirksey Architecture on Vimeo.
Nicola Springer, AIA, LEED AP713 426 7510nicolas@kirksey.com
Nicola is an expert in 21st century learning environments and educational design. She has created state-of-the-art public and private schools and developed PlayTheory, a process that engages stakeholders in a fun, collaborative way to gather quantitative and qualitative information that is used during the design phase. Nicola's talents and expertise are often utilized on projects throughout the firm, including higher education and community projects.
- AIA Houston Design Award, Architecture Less than 50,000 sf, 2024
- Learning by Design Awards of Excellence, Grand Prize Under 100,000 sf, 2023
- TxA Design Award, 2024
